[Book II Chapter 48] NEPHRITE: The Summoning Pit

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“They’re all converging somewhere higher.” Jayden observed.

Lines of demonic beasts, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, were marching up Mount Gull. It was their first time witnessing such a large scale mobilization.

They were well pass the mountain’s midway point. To avoid the prying eyes in the sky, they were summoning gray mammoths and hiding on their underside to cross the open spaces. In doing so, they’d run across another obstacle.

White wolves patrolled the highest reaches, including the woods. Although they were erasing their scent, this was also a dead give away. Their incursions higher had all ended in a howl after being spotted.

“Do you want Light and I to engage in some covert recon?” Nephrite asked.

Jayden winced. “Yes, I suppose I have to. Kenji hinted the invasion might begin soon, and my gut tells me it has to do with this.”

“We’ll determine what they’re up to.” Light declared confidently. “You can count on us.”

Jayden regarded the eagerness with a hesitant resignation. “Don’t take unnecessary risks. You’re guaranteed to be facing sovereigns. Do you remember the closest exits?”

They both nodded. In an emergency, two nearby rifts leading to Mesanic would be their evacuation options. If we’re uncovered, I doubt we’ll have time to reach them.

They made good time running invisibly along side the migrating herds. Like rivers flowing to the sea, the torrents of demonic beasts began merging together and growing in size. Each time they did so, the unoccupied space for them to travel became scarcer. Eventually there was no room at all. They paused on the last ridge before an ocean of creatures.

<> Nephrite reported through her lovers locket. Their stealth masked all traces of them save for touch. They couldn’t afford to bump up against anything for fear of giving themselves away. Jayden would be disappointed but would understand.

> Light answered. Nephrite glanced where she imagined her unseen companion was pointing. Higher on the mountain, she saw beasts traveling downward from different directions. Judging where they were all heading, she estimate their destination a couple of miles away.

<> Nephrite said.

> Light asked. <>

Large green shells were ambling forwards among the throng of demonic beasts. Ranging from elephant size to building size, they resembled stepping stones in a stream. Nephrite pursed her lips at the suggestion.

> Light added.

<> Nephrite sighed. I pray that is something worth gambling our lives over.

Carefully, they hopped across the slow moving shells until they arrived a wide deep valley. All the beast were gathered around the giant pit at the center. Making their way close, Nephrite grew apprehensive.

Ominous blackish-red runes covered the interior of the pit. Even at a distance, she could feel their power. At the bottom was a tar like liquid which somehow felt alive. A cloaked figure in gray stood at the edge. Nephrite felt an instinctual revulsion at the sight of him.

> Light observed.

A group of humans stood off to the side, most were in shinobi gear.

Every one exuded the presence of an immortal. Nephrite glanced along the front row of demonic beasts and counted several sovereigns. There would probably be more if they weren’t busy maintaining Mount Gull.

> Light asked.

Before Nephrite could answer, Lighting lit the sky, and a bolt struck the ground besides the hooded figure, materializing a gigantic tiger. The glowing neon stripes of its navy blue pelt crackled with electricity. Kaygren.

<> A thunderous voice echoed across the minds of all present.

“Indeed.” The cloaked man answered. “The enchantments are linked to the eight candidates I found. We can bring them back whenever you’re ready.”

Kaygren approached the pit and glared down with disgust. >

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“I understand your concern, but true power requires sacrifice.” The cloaked man responded solemnly. “You’ll be happy to know I outdid myself this time. I managed to get the number down to only thirty thousand. After all, ‘every life is precious’.”

Those words! Her eyes flickered to the Fang ninjas. Did they forsake their oath and bring him back? This alone made the expedition worth it. The world had to be warned that Salazar Rook was active again.

<> Kaygren said then issued a thunderous roar.

The hordes of demonic beasts surged forwards. Withdrawing to avoid being swept away, Nephrite watched thousands throw themselves into the pit. As soon as they neared the surface, tendrils of the tar-like substance dragged them under.

> Light asked.

> Nephrite explained. >

The mass suicide ended once the runes began pulsing brightly. Next the brown-black liquid began swirling towards the center, rising up and crashing down along the pit’s edge. When it retreated, a giant humanoid figure was left behind. It was covered in shaggy gray fur and had a lizard tail. A demonic beast revenant, and a sovereign no less… Nephrite stomach tightened at the implications.

Holding its head, the creature struggled to its feet. <> It released a deafening screech. Spotting the fang ninjas, it sneered and charged forwards. However, a bolt of lighting blasted the beast back.